On February 28, TCA and the Turkish Heritage Organization (THO) hosted an art exhibition and reception featuring the profiles of Ahmet Ertegun and James Baldwin, and eleven paintings by Hulis Mavruk in honor of African American History Month.

Ertegun dedicated much of his career to promoting African American musicians while also fighting for racial equality. Prominent African American novelist Baldwin lived in Istanbul in the 1960s and 70s, and finished Another Country (1962) there. Mavruk specializes in portraying African American individuals and their cultures.

In attendance were Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC/5th), congressional staff, representatives from foreign embassies, and members of the African American and Turkish American communities.

On February 15, TCA held a Turkish coffee hour with special guest Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX/32nd) and his senior staff. The congressman was introduced to Turkish delights and other traditions, including Turkish coffee fortune telling.

On February 15, TCA hosted a roundtable discussion with Turkish Embassy Commercial Counselor Omur Demir Kizilarslan and representatives from the Ho Chunk Nation to explore investment opportunities for Turkish companies in Indian country.

On February 22, TCA hosted the Turkish Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Naci Aydan Karamanoglu and the embassy's new congressional liaison team. President G. Lincoln McCurdy made a presentation on TCA's programs and activities.

TCA President Travels to Florida

TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy visited Florida from February 17 to 20. In Key Biscayne, McCurdy attended the National Republican Congressional Committee's Winter Meeting and had substantial conversations with several members of Congress. In Miami, he met with Turkish Consul General Burc Ceylan and spoke with members of the Turkish American community.

On February 5, TCA President G. Lincoln McCurdy and Program Director Dr. Nilsu Goren participated in a roundtable discussion organized by the Turkish Heritage Organization (THO), featuring Dr. Hande Ozsan Bozatli, Honorary President of the Assembly of European Regions, and Turkish Ambassador Serdar Kilic.